Enumclaw Coaches -- Basteyns Retires As Baseball Coach

Chuck Basteyns didn't plan to retire from coaching baseball at the end of his son's high-school career.

If just worked out that way.

Basteyns announced his retirement plans after completing his 12th season as Enumclaw High School's head coach. He was the assistant baseball coach for 10 years before that. His son, Brian, had an outstanding Enumclaw career as a pitcher-outfielder, although this season was cut short by a back injury. He pitched in just three games, but was drafted last week by the Texas Rangers. According to his father, however, Brian intends to attend San Diego State University this fall, where he has a full baseball scholarship.

Chuck Basteyns cited several reasons for his decision to retire as baseball coach, which did not include Brian's graduation.

"I didn't anticipate quitting coaching just because he was going to be done," he said. "I had aspirations of staying with the program. Maybe it was time for a change. I was close with these seniors, and there's a new group coming through. If there ever was time for a change, it probably was now.

"I've had reservations the last couple of years. Parental interference helped me make the decision, and that's something that affects a lot of coaches these days. Plus, the amount of time you have to put in these days and other things going on. Just all put together, that helped me make my decision. But I'm going to miss the relationships I've had with the coaches and kids."

Shelly Thiel, Enumclaw athletic director, said Basteyns will be missed, too, although he will remain at Enumclaw as a math teacher and an assistant coach in football and girls basketball.

"I think we're losing a real dedicated coach," Thiel said. "Chuck put in a lot of time and energy. He's really been a student of the game and will be missed."

He said the position currently is open.

Injuries were among the key factors in Enumclaw's disappointing baseball season this spring. After winning the Pierce County League title in 1991 at 13-3 with a young team, including Brian Basteyns as MVP, the Hornets were heavily favored to repeat this year. But the pitching staff was decimated by injuries and a disciplinary action and Enumclaw wound up fourth in the PCL at 7-9 and was 9-11 overall.

Basteyns also coached the Hornets to a league championship in 1984, when they shared the Seamount League title and reached the regional finals. They were eliminated in their regional opener in 1991, losing to eventual-champion Meadowdale. Basteyns said he would no rule out the possibility he might return to coaching baseball.

"That certainly can happen," he said. "I've never been one to say, `That's it.' I've been pretty lucky here. It's a great place to coach."